Paris Flea Market Fundraiser

Three weeks ago, I traveled to the bay area to help out at the Paris Flea Market Fundraising Paint Workshop that was put on for the Crohns and Colitis Foundation.

Karen Berg, my blogging BFF from Redoux Interiors picked me up at the airport and we were off and running.  No, Karen is not standing on a stool ~ she’s just way taller than me.

We were expecting the crowd to be capped off at 22 participants but when we walked in the Paris Flea Market the night before, we found this!

The number had nearly doubled!  Wowzer!!  The owner, Susan Goodman, didn’t have the heart to turn anyone down when the proceeds were going to such a good cause.

Crohns and Colitis affects nearly half a million people in North America alone.  Susan understands how horrible this disease is because she’s watched her manager’s daughter suffer it’s affect for years.  That kid has gone through so much but she is determined in her lifetime to find a cure!   I can only imagine what she and her mom Lonae felt when they saw all these wonderful people show up to support the cause.

Let me just say, every moment I spent with Karen was an adventure in and of itself.  Karen said a prayer just as we were headed out the morning of the fundraiser.  She prayed for everything to go smoothly…  Apparently, God had other plans for our morning because five minutes into our trip, our car overheated and we still had a good 30 minute drive into Livermore.

Never fear ~ Karen is always equipped with an apron!

We may be chics ~ but we are used to fixing things up ya know!

 

Thank goodness the Mr. was still nearby.  After a quick switch-a-roo of vehicles, we were on our way just in the nick of time.  Susan started out making introductions.  Some people are just naturals speaking in front of a crowd…

Other’s… not so much.  When Karen handed the mike over to me, I was totally caught off-guard.  I felt like a dear caught in headlights when I was asked to introduce myself.  I’ll be the first one to tell you I am NOT the type of person who wants to be the center of attention ~ like EVER!  Especially if it has anything to do with talking about me.  Can somebody say AWKWARD!

I teach paint workshops all the time but I do them in a much more intimate setting.  I’m in my element when I’m working one on one with each individual student; sharing tips and techniques with everyone as we move along.

Speaking in front of a large group with a mike in my hand, especially when I had to talk about myself, made me feel VERY uncomfortable.  I have no idea what I said, but I’m know the words came out all twisted lacking any sense at all.

I am SO thankful Karen is comfortable with this!  I was able to go around and offer my help as she explained how to do it.  Ok, I’m not sure what Karen is doing with her mouth right here, but she does like to make silly faces.

Apparently it’s contagious because by the end of the week we were both doing this!

CeCe flew out for the fundraiser as well.  She, like me, prefers to work quietly behind the scenes.  Everyone was excited to meet her had fun learning how to mix new colors.  I especially fell in love with the deep coral color she mixed up.

After a morning of color mixing, and practicing different techniques on trim pieces and pictures frames, the students brought in their pieces from home and went to town.  In the blink of an eye, their furniture was transformed into…

 

 

Doug  flew in for the event and stole the show with his charming nature.  He was definitely the life of the party!

 

He created the neatest finish on a chair he was painting for a friend ~ I can’t wait to see how it turned out!

Many mahalos go out to everyone who helped make this day a huge success!

and may the prayers continue for all those affected with Crohns and Colitis until a cure is found!

Have a great weekend!!

Shelly